Business Planner

Overview:
Responsible for supporting financial planning and analysis for key retail accounts within a diverse lifestyle apparel brand portfolio. Collaborates closely with Sales, Demand Planning, Supply Chain, and retail partners to drive sales, margin, and inventory objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner with Senior Planners and Account Executives to set and achieve sales, margin, and inventory goals aligned with brand strategies.
• Review weekly sales reports, monitor plans and pricing, and identify opportunities to maximize sales and protect margins.
• Analyze business performance using store, climate, and volume data to drive growth.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop solutions that maximize sales and profitability, including inventory sell-off strategies.
• Share sales and category insights with merchandising and design teams to inform future seasonal planning.
• Meet regularly with Account Executives to discuss business opportunities and challenges.
• Develop demand and inventory plans based on statistical forecasting and historical trends.
• Prepare ad hoc analyses and support management with special projects as needed.
• Work with Demand Planning and Sales to create assortment recommendations.
• Monitor inventory components and maintain appropriate weeks of supply to plan and prior year benchmarks.
• Participate in pre-season planning for replenishment, key items, and assortment building with merchandising and sales teams.

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of planning experience in retail or related industry.
• Strong understanding of retail math and advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Analytical problem-solver with experience addressing financial and merchandise challenges.
• Self-starter with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks effectively.

Preferred:

• Experience with financial analysis principles and information systems.
• Familiarity with planning tools such as Anaplan or Business Objects.
• Background working with department store accounts.

Personal Attributes:

• Curious and positive, demonstrating accountability and a willingness to learn.
• Quick to adapt to new systems and processes.
• Proactive, resourceful, and able to multitask in a dynamic environment.